Rainbow Pride Crossing in Fermanagh: Concerns raised at FODC meeting

The initiative came to life after Foyle Pride Committee approached Derry City and Strabane District Council who unanimously agreed to back the call for a Rainbow Crossing showing  LGBTQ+ community.

The first to be installed in Northern Ireland, the crossing links the Guildhall to the Peace Bridge in the heart of Londonderry city. Last month Fermanagh and Omagh District Council discussed the initiative leading to a decision to convene a meeting for Enniskillen and Omagh town councillors.

This is to consider possible locations for a Rainbow Crossing in each of the towns, and for a report to be compiled around potential costings. However some members were against the council funding this, although it was confirmed a feasibility study had been agreed.

Paul Robinson, DUP.

READ MORE: FODC Council to identify and budget for Pride rainbow crossing

Democratic Unionist Councillor Paul Robinson told members he had been contacted by a number of constituents, some of whom are disabled and visually-impaired, expressing concerns.

He enquired if the Chief Executive Alison McCullagh was aware of the potential effects the rainbow colours of the crossings could have on the visually-impaired, as: “Those who spoke to me feel it is unsafe for them, particularly in sunshine which reflects. This could cause problems. There is a health and safety issue.

Ms McCullagh replied: “I am aware a number of access associations in England have raised formal concerns with the equivalent of the Department for Infrastructure regarding the impact of Rainbow Crossings on a variety of disabilities including those with visual issues and others with hallucinatory conditions. The issues of access and, more generally, inclusion are part of the council’s further consideration of the matter. The agreed position at present is that we arrange a workshop for the Omagh and Enniskillen electoral members to discuss potential locations, feasibility and obviously any concerns regarding access or health and safety. On completion this would be brought to the council.”

Councillor Robert Irvine, Ulster Unionist agreed with Councillor Robinson remarks, and asked the Chief Executive: “Are the proposals going to be equality impact assessed to see if they have any adverse effect on any Section75 groupings. That would appear to the thrust coming from lobby groups on the mainland around the variety of disabilities. We must be cognitively aware of that and take it into account.”

Ms McCullagh explained: “The council’s decision at the moment is to proceed with the workshops and routinely look at feasibility. We would obviously look at equality impact, rural proofing and all those matters as well as the health and safety considerations. The Department (for Infrastructure)also has a role in this so we will continue to liaise with them. A composite report will be brought forward before the council take any decisions.”

However Independent Councillor Emmet McAleer was sceptical, commenting: “As a member of the Disability Advisory Group this is not an issue I have been made aware of. I would be concerned that maybe councillors are using this as an excuse to not proceed ….This issue is very much about equality and not a stage to be playing one minority against another.”